Μαρβάκη, Χριστίνα; Αργυρίου, Γεώργιος; Καρκούλη, Γεωργία; Κόσιβας, Π.; Μαρβάκη, Α.; Πιλάτης, Νεκτάριος; Πολυκανδριώτη, Μαρία; Δημουλά, Υβόννη Λ.
Myocardial infarction (MI) is the condition of irreversible necrosis of the heart muscle that results from prolonged ischemia. After World War II coronary heart disease (CHD) assumed epidemic proportions in western countries, nowadays, myocardial infarction is the leading cause of death in developed countries. Although conventional medical treatments may help an individual recover from a heart attack, the role of accurate information and education is important for cardiac rehabilitation. Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the degree that education can influence the behaviour of the patients with first‐manifestated myocardial infarction towards the modifiable risk factors for coronary disease. Material and method: The sample study included 59 patients nursing in hospitals with the diagnosis of myocardial infarction. The data were collected by the completion of anonymous questionnaire during personal interview with the researcher at the baseline and after 6 months, in 2003‐04. Apart from the demographic‐characteristics, the questionnaire was consisted of items related to risk factors of the disease, the personal and family history, and the medicine therapy and laboratory tests. After the completion of the questionnaire, accurate information pertaining the modifiable risk factors of coronary disease was presented to the patients and printed instructions concerning dietary rules were distributed. The follow‐up took place 6 months later with the completion of the same questionnaire and laboratory tests. The compliance of the patients to the instructions given and to the new model of life according to the proposed dietary was evaluated during this follow‐up period. Results: Statistical analysis of the data showed that 79,7% were men and 20,3% were women. The mean age was 62 ±11,88 years old. The main risk factors for myocardial infraction were hypertension (74,6%), diabetes mellitus (40,7%), family history of coronary disease (50,8). Before acute myocardial infarction, the prevalence of high cholesterol was to a percentage of 72,9% of the patients, the percentage of current smokers was 71,2% and the percentage of alcohol users was 32,2%. Comparing the results of the first interview with the second interview, accrued a reduction to total cholesterol with statistically significant difference p=<0,001. According to the first laboratory test, the mean value of ΗDL was 46,23±13,08 and the mean value of LDL was 144,60 ±46,17. At the follow‐up after the information and instructions were given to the patients, the mean values were 53,69±11,83 for HDL with statistically significant difference, p=<0,001 and 131,47 ± 58, for LDL with statistically significant difference, p=<0,004. The mean value of TG at the baseline laboratory test was 157,83 ± 95,56 and at follow‐up was 155,02 ± 124,69 with statistically significant difference, p=<0,021. Conclusion: The development of coronary heart disease is directly connected to the way of life and can be prevented with the management of the known risk factors which are responsible for leading to myocardial infarction. Prevention and health education is the most important aim in primary health care, especially in individuals of high‐risk, whereas the discontinuation of attitudes in the modern way of living through programs of rehabilitation and information is judged necessary. An educational strategy is required to improve knowledge about a wide range of issues concerning myocardial infarction and thus initiate a new life style adjusted to the demands of the disease.